Why are Tesla tires so expensive
is a question that most people consider when they’re thinking of buying this electric vehicle. While electric cars are known for their affordable maintenance costs, they still have some expensive components, like Tesla cars.
The tires on Teslas are expensive for different reasons, and it’s important to consider these factors when you’re maintaining your EV. In this guide, we take a closer look at why tires on Tesla cars are so expensive and how much it costs to replace them.
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Why Are Tesla Tires So Costly?
Tesla tires are so costly because of their dimensions. Tesla does not make its own tires, so the tires placed on Tesla vehicles can differ in price based on the brand. But they need to be at least 18 inches and are low-profile tires that cost more than other tires.
Standard tire specifications don’t have widespread like tires on Tesla cars do, so they would cost more. You might also have to replace your tires regularly depending on your driving pattern, the brand you buy, and the specification of the tire. The more often you replace your tires, the more you will spend.
If you want to get tires for your Tesla EV, you can go to any store and order tires based on the specifications for your exact model. But, it would be expensive because it’s the same dimensions as sports car tires. The same tires on Tesla cars can be found on other cars. For instance, the tire on the Tesla Model 3 is also found in the Ford Mustang.
Another reason why it is so expensive is the rarity. The tire manufacturers that make the tires for Tesla vehicles are few, and they don’t make a lot in quantity. You might have to order your tire in advance, too. With the low supply and high demand, it’s not surprising that the tires are more expensive.
How Long Do Tesla Tires Last?
Tesla tires last as long as 30,000 miles. You might have to replace your set of tires every 30,000 miles, which is shorter than other cars. Since Tesla vehicles are mostly driven in the city and used for daily commuting, the Tesla tires wear out faster.
If the wheels of your Tesla are unaligned or the tires are not properly balanced, it can cause excessive wear and tear and shorten the life span. It can also last for a shorter time if you put too much or too little air in your tire. The model of the tire will determine its lifespan, so it’s best to purchase a high-quality tire.
If you want your tire to last longer, you should check the air pressure regularly, especially when going on a long road trip. Also, always have a spare tire with you so that you won’t drive on a punctured or damaged tire. If you notice a problem with your tire, you should repair or replace it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Another important thing to do is reduce the weight on your tire. You should check the ideal weight for your specific model because extra weight can cause your tire to wear out faster.
Avoid driving your Tesla EV on rough terrains, and when going at a high speed, avoid suddenly stopping the car. In general, have a good driving pattern and keep an eye on your tires.
What Are the Tire Sizes for Tesla Cars?
The tire sizes for Tesla cars differ based on the make and model of the car, but they are at least 18 inches in diameter and of a low profile. The large-diameter tires are fitted in a low tire wall, which gives the car better performance.
For Model S, the tire sizes are 235/45R18, 235/40R19, 265/35R19, 235/35R20, and 275/30R20. If you’re driving a Tesla Model X, the tire sizes are 265/45R20, 275/45R20, 265/35R22 and 285/35R22. For the Model 3 Tesla, there are two recommended tire sizes, which are 245/45R19 and 245/35R21. Then, the Model Y is compatible with 255/45R19 and 255/40R20.
The low-profile tires also have a better look because they reduce the amount of space that the tire takes. Unlike regular tires, this makes your car look bigger. While your Tesla comes with tires, you might have to replace it after 30,000 miles. It’s important to know the tire sizes for your specific Tesla electric car.
Although the tires designed for Tesla cars offer top performance and have an attractive look, they are expensive. The smallest tire available for Tesla models is the 235/45R18, and it costs an average of $115 for one, depending on where you purchase it from. This means buying four tires plus a spare will cost over $500.
How Much Does It Cost to Purchase Tesla Tires?
It costs between $76 and $570 to purchase Tesla tires, depending on the tire brand and the size. This means that you can spend over $2000 to purchase four tires for your Tesla car. If you are purchasing a spare tire, it would cost over $2,500 to get the tires.
The Tesla Model 3 tires usually cost less than other tires because it is a small and cheap EV model. The price of the tire would be an average of $285, which would make a set of four costs $1140, while a set of five would go for $1425. But, the Tesla Model 3 tires don’t usually last long, so you’ll spend a lot of money on buying replacements.
If you’re getting a Model Y tire, the tires cost between $313 and $433, depending on the size and where you buy it from. This would mean spending between $1500 and $2500 on four to five tires for your Tesla. Keep in mind that you might not get the exact tires you need when you call for roadside assistance.
Tire does not use a specific brand, so you can check out some popular and reliable brands. Some brands that come as factory-included on your Tesla are Michelin, Goodyear, Hankook, and more, so you can look out for them when replacing your tires. For instance, the Tesla Model 3 has the Michelin Primacy MXM4 as its OEM.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Tesla Tires?
It costs between $1529 and $2300 to replace Tesla tires depending on the tire brand, auto shop, and the size of the tires. The labor costs of replacing the tires are similar to those of other cars and will be an average of $40 per tire.
If you’re buying tires from the same shop that would replace them, you might spend less on labor costs. Some shops like Costco will mount your tires for you without any extra fee, as long as it’s the authorized tire for your Tesla. Others would offer a discount, so you might spend an average cost of $20 per tire on labor costs.
If you already have your tires, you would only need to pay the labor costs of $40 per tire. Keep in mind that if you already know how to replace regular tires, you can do that for your Tesla. Replacing your tire on Tesla is the same as any other car, and it is easy because you can jack up the rear and front tires with the rear jack point.
To get a Tesla tire replacement, you need to get a jack, breaker bar, jack pads, and torque wrench. All of this would cost about $200. You can spend $200 once and replace your tires whenever they are damaged without worrying about labor costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Tires on a Tesla Wear Out Quickly?
Tires on a Tesla wear out quickly because of acceleration. Tesla is known for its speed, with some models going from 0 to 60 in 4.2. The high speed means there is a higher torque, and this causes the tires to wear out faster than others.
Can Tires on a Tesla Become Flat?
Tires on a Tesla can become flat
. The tires compatible with Tesla electric cars are tubeless, so they might not leak when punctured. But, it’s not recommended to drive with a flat tire because it can suddenly deflate while driving. Leave the nail in it until you can patch it.
Do I Have to Replace All Four Tires When One Tire Goes Out on a Tesla?
You don’t have to replace all four tires
when one tire goes out on a Tesla, but it is recommended to do so.
Since it is a high-performance vehicle, all tires should be replaced at the same time since they are designed to work together.
Do I Have to Rotate My Tesla Tire Every 5,000 Miles?
You have to rotate your Tesla tire every 7,500 miles
or every six months, depending on which one comes first. If you visit a Tesla Service Center, it costs about $100 to rotate your tires. You can check the exact pricing for the center in your local area.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve answered the question, why are Tesla tires so expensive, you can plan your budget when next you need to replace your tires. Here’s a rundown of our article:
- Tires on a Tesla are so expensive because their dimensions have a diameter of 18, and they are low-profile tires, making them scarce.
- The tires will last as long as 30,000 miles and will wear out quickly because of the high torque, but check the tire pressure regularly to maintain it.
- The tire sizes depend on the model you are buying, but the smallest tire size is 235/45R18 for the Model S.
- Tesla tires cost between $76 and $570 to purchase a tire for Tesla, depending on the size and the brand.
- The labor cost for replacing a tire on Tesla is $40 per tire, but you can get a discount or replace it for free by purchasing your tire from the same place.
If you’re thinking of replacing your tires on a Tesla car, you should consider the costs and visit an auto repair shop that can sell the tire and install it at the same time. You can also consider learning how to replace your tire.
References
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